Notre Dame Guard Aria McDonald Crowned USA Female Basketball Player of the Year
In a triumphant celebration of women’s basketball, Notre Dame’s Aria McDonald has been named the USA Female Basketball Player of the Year. This prestigious honor, bestowed upon her by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), is a testament to her exceptional skills, dedication, and impact on the sport.
McDonald’s journey to stardom began in her high school days at St. John Bosco in Bellflower, California. Her unparalleled talent and competitive spirit quickly caught the attention of college scouts, leading her to join the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2019.
Since her arrival at Notre Dame, McDonald has been a dominant force on the court. Her impressive statistics, which include averaging 18.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, are a testament to her versatility and all-around brilliance. Her ability to score, rebound, and facilitate for her teammates has made her an invaluable asset to Notre Dame’s success.
In the 2021-2022 season, McDonald led the Fighting Irish to a 29-5 record, a second-place finish in the ACC, and a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Her outstanding performance throughout the season, coupled with her leadership and sportsmanship, earned her numerous accolades, including the ACC Player of the Year and the John R. Wooden Award All-America Team honors.
The USA Female Player of the Year award, however, is the pinnacle of her achievements. Established in 1983, the award recognizes the best player of the season in NCAA women’s basketball. Previous recipients include legends of the game such as Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, and Diana Taurasi. To be named among these greats is a tremendous honor for McDonald.
Speaking on her win, McDonald expressed her gratitude and noted the significance of the award. “To be recognized as the USA Female Player of the Year is an incredible feeling. It’s a testament to the hard work I’ve put in,